A Christmas Carol (The Old Vic)
A Christmas Carol (The Old Vic)
Matthew Warchus’ big-hearted, smash hit production of Charles Dickens’ immortal classic returns for a third year to The Old Vic, joyously adapted for the stage by Jack Thorne (Harry Potter and the Cursed Child).
The Old Vic’s A Christmas Carol fills the auditorium to the brim with mince pies, music and merriment, a unique staging immerses the audience in this uplifting story.
★★★★★
‘It’s hard to imagine a more pertinent Christmas tale, delivered with greater atmosphere, theatricality and emotional heft’ - WhatsOnStage
★★★★★
‘It’s magical’ - Time Out
★★★★
‘Not even Scrooge himself could dislike this’ - The Times
- Duration
2 hours and 5 minutes including the interval.
Additional Details & FAQ
- Cancellation Policy
No refunds or exchanges available after purchase
- Suitable For Children
Suitable for ages 8+
- Where Do I Go
The Old Vic
The Cut, London
SE1 8NB
Reviews
Miss Hyder
Jan 18, 2020
Amazing production, outstanding acting and magical touches through the show. The bells were so powerful my godson cried, the snow was such a magical moment that even my mum looked like a child on Christmas Day morning. My daughter said this was the best birthday ever! This show impressed our party of 8 covering ages 6- 70 yrs old which is no easy task and we all left with happy hearts.
J west
Jan 18, 2020
Excellent acting! Engaged well with the audience. Clear sound, all the props good fun. All round good night.
Iain Alembick
Jan 16, 2020
A pretty slow first act, taking you up to the ghost of Christmas present, delivered in a somewhat spell binding manner. The second act is just simply exquisite and contains by far my favourite scene in the westend at the moment (you’ll know what I’m referring to when you see it). A sterling performance by Paterson Joseph (Scrooge) who brings a multitude of layers to the character. It’s amazing how he depicts Scrooges transformation over the space of two hours. I was worried about the set design to begin with as it seemed pretty simplistic- by the end I loved it as it lends itself to the immersive nature of the show. My one criticism is that the show ever so slightly lost it’s way as they prepare for Christmas dinner. Flying sprouts and Potatoes down a shoot felt a little misplaced in this period show. My only regret is that I didn’t see it before Christmas as it’s guaranteed to get you in the Christmas spirit.
Constance
Jan 16, 2020
A show like no other absolutely fantastic. I could see this show over and over again. A must to see I would highly recommend.
Tartarsue
Jan 15, 2020
I have been to many Christmas shows but I was blown away by the way this play was presented. I have seen A Christmas Carol at the London Palladium with Tommy Steele which I thought could not be topped but I was wrong. Every actor was superb and the atmosphere of the theatre really made the audience feel like they were part of the play. We were given a warm mince pie before the play started which put us in a Christmas mood and the music made everybody want to clap and get involved. I will never forget the beautiful hand bells and wish I could hear them every Christmas. I even closed my eyes to imagine Christmas whilst they were played. I love A Christmas Carol and this is the best I have seen. Brilliant.
Rach d
Jan 15, 2020
Great acting, staging and audience engagement. Really enjoyed the story enhancements
David
Jan 14, 2020
The scrooge actor lifts the whole performance - great fun - not sure about the tiny Tim scenario - rather patronising I thought - seeing and production original and very well executed
Odette Penwarden
Jan 13, 2020
I had booked this as a Christmas present for my three goddaughters and their mother . As we arrived we were given hot mince pies and seated in row H next to the stage , Fromthe moment we arrived it was totally immersive with lots of interaction with the amazing cast members. who all looked as if this was where they were meant to be When the play started we were immediatly pulled into it and time flew. The acting and singing were really first class and we were mesmerised by the whole thing, I don't know how I am going to top it for next year
Geraldine Wood
Jan 12, 2020
The minimal staging, atmospheric lighting and extraordinary use of the theatre and snow effects complemented the wonderful acting and singing-not to mention the superb bell ringing. I took my nine year old great nephew and he was entranced as each original, thoughtful and emotional element of the story unfolded, keeping true to the Dickens text, whilst bringing aspects up-to-date and relevant for all ages. Tiny Tim brought a tear to my eye and I wish we had been able to see it before Christmas. We were on a high on our journey home and delighted in describing our experiences to the family. Dicken's message was consistently clear and it reminded me of the real meaning of Christmas and just how lucky I am. Thank you. A brilliant start to 2020.
Mrs Fitz
Jan 12, 2020
Fantastic, in every way ,set ,lighting ,actors ,could hear every word of every sentence from every actor. Felt i was back in Dickension England.....The warm mince pies were excellent.... looking forward to coming back soon
Anonymous
Jan 9, 2020
I very much enjoyed. And thank you for my upgraded ticket
Charlene
Jan 9, 2020
My friend and I always try and see a production of Scrooge for Xmas every year. This was far the best acted performance we have every seen. It kept to the story and was brilliantly acted. it really took back to the time of Scrooge.
Mr Silverfox
Jan 8, 2020
What a fantastic production! I am an avid theatre goer and was totally immersed from the beginning to the end of this brilliant Dickens Novel. Fabulous acting, music and staging, a true masterpiece under the roof of one of the best theatres in London.
Julie
Jan 8, 2020
Great staging and acting. Atmosphere for a Victorian Christmas really set as you soon as you enter.
Mary
Jan 8, 2020
Brilliant cast, amazing set, great music (including the hand bells!)
Ann
Jan 8, 2020
The overall adaptation was great and I thought that the pace was just right. It was ideal for the younger audience. We went after Christmas but it made us feel "christmasy" all over again. There was lots of interaction with the audience and this made it feel relaxed and fun.
Mervyn
Jan 8, 2020
We found this an outstanding, memorable and highly enjoyable production. Cast and audience were perfectly aligned. The festive music was of a high standard & cleverly integrated into the production. Well worth seeing.
Terri
Jan 8, 2020
Fantastic production. If it's on next year, I'll be booking tickets for the whole family instead of xmas presents!
Marion
Jan 7, 2020
We all loved Christmas Carol! The music & carols that ran throughout were beautiful. Really enjoyed seeing the orchestra elevated, particularly as music played such an important part.
MJ Robertson
Jan 6, 2020
A complete delight from the moment we walked into the theatre. Mince pies and clementines on arrival to our seats. Central stage that gave every seat a prefect view. Don’t want to give anything away, the staging and the show were better than we imagined. Would definitely recommend!
Connie Garrard
Jan 4, 2020
My husband and I were so moved by this excellent and cleverly constructed production of Dickens classic 'A Christmas Carol'. Such a lovely touch, to be offered warm mince pies from the kind Victorian gentleman, as we entered the auditorium. What a festive welcome alongside other things!!!! The musicians on stage were superb to ease us effortlessly in to the show. I won't say too much more as I don't want to spoil the surprises this show brings! Just one more thing! The acting was out of this world, but I really loved the Celtic feel to my favourite Carols. The unique arrangements of them and the beautiful bell ringing touched my heart, as did Tiny Tim, played by Lenny Rush! Bravo to this angelic child who we fell in love with . His parents must be SO very proud of him! I went out with tear stains of joy on my face!!! Hubby wept too. CONGRATRULATIONS TO THE WHOLE CAST AND CREW!!!! XXXX
Linda england
Jan 4, 2020
Great production. Cast were brilliant. I go every year And enjoy every performance. Linda england
Linda
Jan 4, 2020
Loved every moment of it and want to see it again. Would highly recommend.
Chris GS
Jan 4, 2020
This show was magical from start to finish. The stage extends right out into the audience and you are drawn into the action from the outset . Cast members are on stage and amongst the audience when you arrive handing out warm mince pies and satsumas and others are playing instruments . The cast also play hand bells during the performance which make a beautiful sound . The acting is brilliant and the ghostly special effects make it suitably eerie. It even snows inside the theatre at some points - it will make you feel Christmassy even when Christmas is all over. I LOVED it .
Gail Jarman
Jan 3, 2020
An excellent production with superb bell ringing and singing. The 'snow' was great too. The mince pies and satsumas were a lovely touch and all in all, it was very Christmassy.
Just a traveler
Jan 3, 2020
Loved everything. It's an old story, but I hung on every word and so did my family. The actors are very good, particularly the man playing the Scrooge. His face is so expressive. Then the bit at the end with the snow and a little bit of audience participation. It was all so good. A lot of fun and a great night in London.
teatime
Jan 3, 2020
We really enjoyed seeing A Christmas Carol at the Old Vic with a group of different ages. The theatre design was simply but very effective with hundreds of illuminated lanterns and a cross shaped stage in the middle where audiences can enjoy the play from different angles. Fantastic energetic acting and many memorable and unexpected moments. Really enjoyable with an important message.
Maria
Jan 3, 2020
I have really enjoyed the play. The snow the songs have created a Christmassy atmosphere.
Mandy
Jan 2, 2020
Joyous it was full,of so much talent a great show.
Lillian
Jan 1, 2020
Wonderfully done! Loved it!
Kay
Jan 1, 2020
I have already told all my friends it’s a must for next year , absolute fabulous xx
Sarah
Jan 1, 2020
Great production. A great show for the while family at Christmas
Jennifer DePalo
Dec 31, 2019
Great performance!! My son and husband who don't care for plays liked it!! My girls and I loved it!! will see again if I'm ever in London again on Christmas holiday!! Put us all in the holiday spirit!!
A visitor to London
Dec 29, 2019
An amazing production which teenage boys and parents all thoroughly enjoyed. Multi talented performers brought the play to life and being enveloped in the performance wrapped around us from all angles added to the drama and richness of the event. Great staging, music and a number of surprises but still staying true to Dickens and the Victorian context. A real triumph and strongly recommended.
Asg
Dec 28, 2019
Excellent atmosphere made early on with warm mince pies. Clever staging and use of environment
Mary Ann Villalobos
Dec 25, 2019
From the moment you enter the theatre, the Staff and actors draw you in and you feel transported into 1865. Throughly enjoyed every moment from the minced pie and oranges the actors generously give to the audience, set design, costumes, lighting, musicians, dance choreography, and amazing, talented actors!
Roberto & Catarina
Dec 24, 2019
We enjoyed every magical moment of this play and left with the spirit of Christmas in our hearts. Beautiful props, music and acting with an empathetic twist on Scrooge’s backstory. Highly recommend!
Kim Pullen
Dec 24, 2019
Amazing
Maureen Dunn
Dec 22, 2019
I traveled from N. Ireland to take my grandchildren, Callum and Ruby, who live in Surrey to see A Christmas Carol as their Christmas treat. Unfortunately when the great day arrived Callum was ill and was unable to travel with us to London. However, my husband and Ruby and I thoroughly enjoyed the the atmosphere and the magic of the production. A lovely touch, incidentally, was the "pie man" coming around the audience with mince pies. The setting in the "round" was very effective and allowed the audience to almost feel part of the story. The setting, costumes, acting, singing, and particularly the bell ringers were all wonderful; and when the snow started to fall I was overcome with joy. Strangely, I attended, along with two friends, the very same version of A Christmas Carol in The Gate Theatre in Dublin a week before. It was wonderful too. Thanks to everyone involved in this very uplifting experience.
Brookesy
Dec 21, 2019
Watched this last year. This year was better. Patterson Joseph was brilliant in the role of scrooge. It's a magical experience that left me blubbing like a baby.
Charlotte
Dec 21, 2019
Wonderful old fashioned Christmas theatre experience - touching and humorous, the cast, music and effects were amazing. Will definitely be an annual tradition in our house from now on!
Lorna Train
Dec 20, 2019
Superb - such a feel good production. Five star acting music and singing. Such clever use of the stage. A very imaginative interpretation of the story. The cast seemed as if they were thoroughly enjoying themselves. Lovely mince pies and oranges - what a nice touch.
John and Lisa
Dec 20, 2019
First class performance throughout with strong performance from central character. Lots of touching moments and festive fun hitting the right note for Christmas.
L Bradley
Dec 20, 2019
Outstanding performance from every cast member (really don’t want to say this as worried will not get tickets next year ) its a show everyone should go to see! This is our 2nd year and equally as magical as last year Bravo !!!
Katy Heath
Dec 20, 2019
I have seen this production for 3 years running. this is the best year yet, I am a massive xmas fan and every time I come I leave genuinely moved, almost changed. I have bought tickets for everyone I know and the magic of this scrooge and all its special touches leaves it streets ahead of anything else you will see. my eternal gratitude to the team that put this astonishingly good piece of theatre together! five stars are not enough!
Val
Dec 19, 2019
Great Christmas show with strong social message.
The Emersons
Dec 17, 2019
It's the third time we've seen it and we'll be back again next year if you continue. One of the best stage productions we have ever seen. Truly magical.
Tony boulter
Dec 16, 2019
Fantastic show. Had a great time. Acting brilliant
Greengran
Dec 15, 2019
I took my twin grand daughters who are 8 to the matinee on Saturday. We all much enjoyed the show, the staging really involved the audience, they loved the 'snow' and the brussel sprout parachutes!
Jessie
Dec 13, 2019
What a fantastic evening. From the warm mince pies and mulled wine to the magical snow and bell ringers. A true classic made extra special with the humbling story behind it and the charity it is supporting. A very moving heartfelt start to Christmas. 'God bless us all'